Correct rabbit feeding (80% hay)

Feeding is the #1 cause of premature death in pet rabbits. An incorrect diet based on pellets and seeds (common in animals sold in shops) leads to obesity, dental problems, gastrointestinal stasis and an early death. This guide covers exactly what to give it.

Why is hay 80% of the diet?

The rabbit is a strict herbivore whose digestive system evolved to process long fibre continuously. Its teeth grow 10-12 cm a year and need to be worn down by constantly chewing hay. Without enough hay:

• Dental malocclusion → pain → stops eating → death in 1-2 weeks
• Gastrointestinal stasis (the gut stops) → life-threatening emergency
• Obesity if it eats pellets/vegetables as its staple
• Coccidia problems and bacterial imbalance

Hay must be available 24/7 in unlimited quantity. A dedicated hay feeder (hay rack) keeps it dry and clean.

Types of hay and which to choose

There are several types. The quality of the hay determines the rabbit's health:

• Timothy hay: the gold standard for adult rabbits. Low in calcium, high in fibre. ~€5-8/kg.
• Meadow hay: variety of grasses. Excellent alternative to timothy hay.
• Oat hay: appealing for fussy rabbits. Slightly higher in calories.
• Alfalfa hay: HIGH in calcium and protein. ONLY for kits (under 6 months), pregnant or nursing does. NEVER for healthy adults (risk of kidney stones).

Recommended brands in the UK: Burgess, Oxbow, Timothy Hay. Buy in small bags and store in a dry place. Throw away old or damp hay — risk of mould.

Safe vegetables (daily list)

Offer 2-5 vegetables a day mixed together for variety:

• Leafy greens (preferred): lamb's lettuce, rocket, radish tops, parsley, coriander, spinach (occasional), kale
• Aromatic herbs: basil, mint, dill, spearmint, fennel
• Dark lettuces: romaine, lollo rosso, oak-leaf
• Vegetables: red/yellow/green pepper, broccoli (small amounts due to gas), celery, cucumber, courgette, green bean
• Carrot: a "finger-sized slice" at most 2-3 times/week (high in sugar, the myth that "rabbits always eat carrots" is FALSE)

Amount: 1 cup per kg of body weight, split into 2 servings/day.

FORBIDDEN vegetables and foods

Toxic or very dangerous:

• Avocado: TOXIC (persin). Can kill.
• Chocolate: TOXIC (theobromine)
• Onion, garlic, leek: damage red blood cells
• Raw potato: contains toxic solanine
• Nuts: high fat content, can cause pancreatitis
• Corn: hard to digest, risk of blockage
• Fruit seeds: amygdalin/cyanide
• Bread, pasta, sponge cake: NEVER, they disrupt gut flora
• Dairy: NEVER, they don't tolerate lactose
• Iceberg lettuce: not nutritious, possible lactucarium toxicity in large amounts
• Cauliflower: extreme gas

Pellets: how many a day?

Pellets are a supplement, not a staple. Common mistakes in shops: selling "muesli mix" with seeds, dried fruit and corn flakes, which is the worst thing you can give.

Buy UNIFORM pellets (all pellets identical, no tempting mixes). Recommended brands: Burgess Excel, Science Selective, Supreme Science Selective.

Amount:

• Young rabbit (2-6 months): 25 g/day (alfalfa pellets acceptable)
• Healthy adult rabbit: 1 tablespoon per kg of body weight. A 2 kg rabbit = 2 tablespoons (~25 g) SPLIT into 2 servings.
• Overweight rabbit: 0.5 tablespoon/kg or remove pellets temporarily

Fruit: occasional treats

Fruit is a treat, not daily food. A high amount of sugar can cause gut dysbiosis. Amount: 1-2 nail-sized pieces at most 2-3 times/week.

Safe fruits (always remove seeds/stones): apple, pear, strawberry, blueberries, banana, melon, watermelon, papaya.

Water: always fresh

Permanent access to clean water. A bowl is better than a drip bottle (more natural). Change daily. In summer check more often due to evaporation. A rabbit without water for 12h+ = life-threatening emergency.

Common mistakes that kill rabbits

1. Pellet-based diet: obesity + dental + GI → early death
2. Muesli mix with seeds and corn: the rabbit picks out the most calorific bits, leaves the hay
3. Low-quality or insufficient hay: dental problems
4. Iceberg lettuce as the vegetable staple: nutritional void
5. Too much carrot: high sugar, obesity
6. Nuts and seeds as treats: pancreatitis
7. Abrupt diet changes: intestinal imbalance → diarrhoea → fatal in kits
8. Bread, cakes, cereals: any processed human food
9. Not knowing how to identify GI stasis: if your rabbit stops eating and defecating for 12 hours → life-threatening emergency, immediate exotic vet

In short: 80% unlimited hay · 15% varied fresh vegetables · 5% uniform pellets · fruit as an occasional treat · fresh water at all times. If you follow these proportions, your rabbit will live 8-12 years with excellent quality of life. Any major deviation significantly reduces its lifespan.